Should people attend volunteer activities which are not relevant to their subject?
I used to consider to volunteer to educate people who live in a poor village in Western China. But this may not relevant with my future career. #education #volunteering #volunteer
13 answers
Caroline’s Answer
Yes, absolutely it's the fact that you are helping others shows charecter traits. I definetely recommend doing this.
Lucien’s Answer
Absolutely!
Volunteering should not just be exclusive to your field of study/ Career.
Its a chance to build great character traits and new skills as well as help make a positive impact to the people and environment around you.
Whilst it looks great on your CV etc It will also help you become a well rounded person as and help with your personal development.
Matthew’s Answer
Attending volunteer activities, no matter their relevance, is essential to both your own character development as well as the impact on your community.
I've been involved in volunteer/community work since before college and it has had an immense impact on my life: in the workplace, in school, and in all relationships.
Participating in diverse volunteering activities will obviously help others, and also help you grow as a person.
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Beth’s Answer
Mahmoud’s Answer
this will result in challenging yourself with things that you do not know . You might even find a new hobby or even a new career.
Participating in diverse volunteering activities will obviously help others, and also help you grow as a person.
Good luck
Karishma’s Answer
Yes definitely, it doesn't matter what field the volunteering is in it is always a good idea and great to show on your CV/talk about in interviews.
Gloria’s Answer
I would recommend volunteering in any capacity that you can. Volunteering at its core is about helping others, not gain anything for yourself. However, you can gain skills from any volunteering that you choose to engage in. Sometimes you will learn that you are not good at something. I did that volunteering to create a garden, Sometimes you will learn that you can climb that 12-foot ladder and paint a ceiling without falling. I believe that challenging yourself with things that you do not know makes you a better person. You might even find a new hobby or even a new career.
Gloria
Armin’s Answer
1) Let's start with the "egoistic", career oriented side: Even if the area you're volunteering in isn't directly related to your subject it will help you to develop soft skills you will also need to be successful in your career. You will learn about teamwork, you will learn about communication with a variety of people and backgrounds, you will learn about empathy and much more. All these skills are extremely relevant to progress. It also shows that you have interests wider than just your work and are developing a more rounded personality. Employers realise this and will likely rate you higher.
2) Let's round it off with the more general and compassionate side: Volunteering is about giving back to society, to the less privileged and less fortunate. If you're studying for a degree you are likely to be better off than many others. Supporting them, helping them will help society in general, but also you personally.
Elaine’s Answer
Absolutely! Volunteerism helps develop leadership and interpersonal skills that will be valuable wherever your journey takes you. I'm a volunteer trainer for YMCA of the USA. Research shows that volunteerism may also reduce stress, boost self-esteem and positively affect heart health.
Many years ago I spent three weeks volunteering for the Dartford YMCA in London. It was nothing but positive for me personally and professionally. The YMCA has a long-standing commitment to volunteers, as do many other non-profit organizations.
Good luck!
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Deidre Mercedes Watson
Deidre Mercedes’s Answer
Pamela’s Answer
Sheila’s Answer
It's great that you want to volunteer. I agree with all the previous comments. Volunteering helps build character and makes you feel good about yourself. You do not have to volunteer in your field; you could find something that you want to learn or do it just for fun. Or, find an opportunity that could help you build upon a skill you want to learn or practice. There's no right or wrong way when it comes to volunteering.
Good luck to you and I hope you find that right volunteer opportunity.
~ Sheila
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Sejal’s Answer
Hi Wenge, this is a great question! Echoing with others have said, "yes!" you definitely should attend volunteer activities that may or may not be relevant to your subject.
Volunteering certainly looks great on applications, but it's also a great way for a potential employer to learn more about you as a person, and it's good for your soul. I've found that volunteering for different organizations or areas of needs simply makes me feel good, and I can take that motivation to conquer seemingly difficult tasks in my personal life.
Volunteering is a great way to demonstrate parts of your personality that others may otherwise not be able to see. For example, let's say you are interested in pursuing a career in information technology, but you volunteer with the Best Buddies (an organization that creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities), you would demonstrate your compassion for different types of people.
Additionally, volunteering is a great way to network! You never know who knows someone who may be in your field of interest. They could connect you, because they see your positive traits.
It doesn't have to be a huge, known organization, either. Find an area that means something to you, and put your energy into it. The rewards will be there!